Denver Background Check Records
Denver is the largest city in Colorado and serves as both a city and a county. The City and County of Denver has its own police force, sheriff department, and court system. A background check in Denver can pull records from any of these sources. The Denver Police Department keeps arrest records for crimes in city limits. The Denver Sheriff Department holds jail and booking data. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation offers online checks that cover the whole state. Each office has its own process, fees, and rules for how records are released to the public.
Denver Quick Facts
Denver Police Department Record Checks
The Denver Police Department used to offer fingerprint-based background checks at its offices. That ended in September 2018. DPD stopped all fingerprint services at that time. Now, anyone in Denver who needs a fingerprint background check must use a CBI-approved vendor or go through the state directly. The DPD still holds arrest records for crimes within city and county lines, but it no longer runs checks on site.
You can find more on this change at the DPD Background Checks page. The page lists the vendors that now handle fingerprint checks in Denver. It also notes that the CBI Internet Criminal History Check is an option for name-based searches. For people who just need a quick check, the CBI online tool at cbirecordscheck.com costs $6 and gives fast results.
DPD keeps records only for Denver arrests. If you need records from a town outside Denver, DPD cannot help. Those records stay with the agency that made the arrest. The CBI search is the best way to find records from across Colorado in one place.
Note: Denver Police ended fingerprint services in September 2018 and now directs all requests to CBI vendors.
Denver Arrest Records Request Process
You can still get your own arrest record from the Denver Police Department. The DPD Identification Section handles these requests. The process is done by mail or in person. There is no online option for DPD arrest records at this time. Each request costs $15.00. You must pay with a check or money order made out to Manager of Revenue. Cash is not accepted. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so DPD can mail your results back.
Send your request to the DPD Identification Section at 1331 Cherokee St, Room 416, Denver, CO 80204. Fill out the arrest records form with your full name and date of birth. Staff will search for any arrests tied to your name in Denver. Results show only Denver arrests. If you were arrested in a different city or county, that record will not appear. For a broader search, use the CBI at cbirecordscheck.com to check all of Colorado.
The Denver Police Records page lists other types of records you can ask for. These include crash reports, incident reports, and case status updates. Each type has its own form and fee.
Denver Sheriff Public Records Access
The Denver Sheriff Department is the largest sheriff department in Colorado. It runs two jail facilities and handles courthouse security. The department holds booking records, jail logs, and inmate files. Many of these records are public under Colorado law. The Sheriff Department is separate from the Denver Police Department. Each agency keeps its own set of records.
To get records from the Denver Sheriff, use the online portal. The Denver Sheriff Public Records Request page lets you submit a request from home. Describe what you need in your request. Staff will review it and respond. Some records are free. Others may have a copy fee based on the number of pages. Response times depend on how broad your request is. A simple request for one person's booking record is usually faster than a wide-ranging data request.
Booking records show the date of arrest, charges at the time of booking, and bond details. They do not show the final outcome of a case. For that, you need court records. Denver Sheriff records are one piece of a full background check in Denver.
Note: The Denver Sheriff Department and Denver Police Department are separate agencies with different record systems.
CBI Background Check for Denver
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation runs the state criminal record database. A CBI check covers all 64 counties in Colorado. This makes it the most complete option for a Denver background check. The CBI Internet Criminal History Check costs $6.00 and can be done online. Results come back fast, often the same day. This is the tool that DPD now points Denver residents to for most background check needs.
The CBI online search at cbirecordscheck.com is a name-based check. You enter a name and date of birth. The system returns any criminal history tied to that name in Colorado. It is not a fingerprint check, so there is a small chance of false matches with common names. For a more precise result, a fingerprint-based check is the better choice.
The CBI portal is the main online tool for running a name-based criminal background check that covers Denver and all of Colorado.
For details on all CBI check types, visit the main CBI Records and Background Checks page. It breaks down each option, from basic name checks to full fingerprint reviews. Denver residents use this page to find the right check for their needs.
This page lists all background check options through CBI, with fees and instructions for each type of search.
Denver Fingerprint Check Vendors
Since DPD stopped offering fingerprints, Denver residents must use an outside vendor for fingerprint-based background checks. The CBI works with approved vendors across the state. Two of the most used vendors in the Denver area are IdentoGO and Colorado Fingerprinting. Both take walk-in and scheduled visits at locations in and around Denver.
IdentoGO runs fingerprint sites across Colorado. You can schedule a visit at uenroll.identogo.com. Pick a Denver-area location and book a time. The process takes about 15 minutes. You will need a valid photo ID. Results go to the CBI for processing. Colorado Fingerprinting at coloradofingerprinting.com is another option for Denver residents. They offer mobile services and can come to your location in some cases.
A fingerprint check ties records to your actual prints. This is more accurate than a name search. It removes the risk of false hits from people with the same name. Many Denver residents choose a fingerprint check when they need a thorough and precise background check result.
Denver Criminal Records and State Law
The release of background check records in Denver follows the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act. This law controls what records police and other agencies can share with the public. Under this act, official action records are open to inspection. That includes arrest data, charges, and case outcomes. Denver Police and the Denver Sheriff both follow this law when they handle record requests.
Some records can be held back. Active case files, records that could harm a person's safety, and sealed records are not released. If a Denver agency denies your request, it must give you the reason in writing. You can challenge a denial in court. Most basic arrest and booking records in Denver are public. Detailed case files may take more review before release.
Sealed records do not show up in any Denver background check. Colorado allows people to seal certain records after time has passed. Once sealed, those records will not appear in searches from DPD, the Sheriff, or the CBI. This applies to both name-based and fingerprint-based checks run in Denver.
Note: All Denver criminal record releases are governed by the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act.
Denver Court Record Searches
Denver has two courts that handle criminal cases. Denver County Court covers misdemeanors and petty offenses. Denver District Court handles felonies. Both are part of the 2nd Judicial District. Court records add key details to a background check in Denver. They show charges, pleas, trial results, and sentences.
You can search Denver court records online for free. The Colorado Judicial Branch runs a public docket search at courts.state.co.us/dockets. Enter a name or case number to find records. The tool covers all courts in Colorado, not just Denver. It shows the case type, filing date, and current status. This is a good first step when you want to see if someone has a court record in Denver.
Court records include the following details:
- Charges filed by the district attorney
- Plea entered by the person charged
- Trial dates and hearing results
- Sentencing and probation terms
- Case status and final outcome
Most adult criminal court records in Denver are public. Sealed cases and juvenile records are not open. For the full court file, you may need to visit the clerk of court in person. The online docket gives a summary, but some documents are only viewable at the courthouse in Denver.
Running a Full Denver Background Check
A complete background check in Denver may pull records from several sources. No single agency holds all the data. DPD has arrest records. The Sheriff has booking records. The courts have case files. The CBI has the statewide criminal database. To get a full picture, you may need to check more than one source.
For most people in Denver, the CBI Internet Criminal History Check is the best place to start. It costs $6 and covers all of Colorado. If you need Denver-specific records, contact DPD or the Sheriff directly. If you need a fingerprint check, book a visit with IdentoGO or Colorado Fingerprinting. The steps depend on what you need and why you need it.
Here is a quick guide for Denver background check options:
- CBI online name check: $6.00 at cbirecordscheck.com
- DPD arrest records: $15.00 by mail or in person
- Denver Sheriff records: free portal request online
- Court docket search: free at courts.state.co.us
- Fingerprint check: varies by vendor
Each of these tools gives a different slice of the picture. The CBI check is the broadest. DPD and Sheriff records are the most local. Court records show the legal outcome. Used together, they form a thorough Denver background check.
Denver County Background Check Records
Denver is a consolidated city and county. The city and county share the same borders and the same government. All background check records for this area come from Denver city and county agencies. For more details on the county-level resources, court system, nearby counties, and additional record options, visit the Denver County background check page.